China Faces Record Youth Unemployment Amid Economic Struggles

Millions of college graduates are entering a depressed job market, leading to a new working class dubbed 'rotten-tail kids'.

Youth unemployment in China hit 17.1% in July, the highest rate this year.
The term 'rotten-tail kids' describes young graduates forced to accept low-paying jobs or rely on parents' pensions.
Regulatory crackdowns and COVID-19 disruptions have worsened job prospects in tech, finance, and education sectors.
President Xi Jinping has prioritized youth employment, but efforts have yet to significantly reduce joblessness.
Many graduates are reconsidering their career paths amid a bleak economic outlook and intense job competition.